For more resources and information, check out this video and visit the De Anza College
Undocumented Student Resources webpage (see link below).

Understanding AB 540

Q: What does it mean to be undocumented?

An undocumented person is a noncitizen who entered the United States without legal
immigration status or who stayed after the period she or he was authorized to be here.

Q: Can an undocumented student go to college?

Yes! Undocumented students may attend any California college or university where they
are admitted. In addition, if they meet the requirements of a state law known as
AB 540, undocumented students do not have to pay the much-higher tuition rate that usually
applies to out-of-state students. And under another law, known as the California Dream
Act, undocumented students who qualify for AB 540 status can apply for state financial
aid.

Q: How do I qualify to pay in-state tuition?

In order to qualify under AB 540, an undocumented student must have

Attended or completed the equivalent of three years of high school, community college
or adult school in California

Graduated or obtained the equivalent of a high school diploma or community college
degree, or completed the requirements for transfer to a UC or CSU

Submitted an AB 540 affidavit, also known as a Nonresident Tuition Exemption Request form, to the college that you plan to attend. On this affidavit, you must state that
you meet the two previous requirements and that you have filed an application to legalize
your immigration status – or that you will file an application as soon as you are
eligible to do so.

Here are the steps to qualify for AB 540 status at De Anza

Complete the form, print it and submit it to the Admissions Office in the Registration & Student Services Building.

If you have questions about applying for admission as an AB 540 student, email Barry
Johnson in the Admissions Office: johnsonbarry@deanza.edu

Financial Aid for Undocumented Students

Under another law, known as the California Dream Act, undocumented students who qualify for AB 540 status are eligible to apply for state financial aid as well as for private scholarships to attend California colleges or universities. (However, undocumented students are
not eligible for federalaid.) To learn more, visit ourCalifornia Dream Act webpage.